its christmastime!

So... Samuel and I have been thinking about traditions we want to start in our family.  On Sunday we decided to come up with some fun activities to do during the Christmas season, and then try to do a few each day leading up to "the big one."   I'm excited to see how the list changes as our family changes.  Here are some things we came up with this year.  This is a personal invitation for YOU to join in on any that sound festive and appealing.

        Drink hot cider and put up Christmas decorations

        Bake cookies and deliver them to neighbors

        Go see the lights at temple square

        Pick out a Christmas tree and decorate it

        Watch It’s a Wonderful Life

        Open up new pajamas on Christmas eve

        Give service to a family member

        Find mistletoe, hang it in our house, and kiss under it

        Address and mail Christmas cards

        Go Christmas shopping for each other and for family

        Read the Christmas Story from the Bible and Book of Mormon

        Go to a cultural event like a play or concert

        Read the Polar Express and have hot chocolate

        Put up Christmas lights on the house

        Contribute to a Sub-For-Santa

        Make a homemade gift

        Dress up festive and go on a double date with friends

        Put together a Christmas playlist

        Host a party with friends

        Drive around and see the neighborhood lights

        Go skiing or snowshoeing or sledding… or all 3

        Get friends together to go caroling to neighbors

        Go to the temple together

feeling thankful

I know that Thanksgiving is technically over, but I have had so much gratitude in my heart these past few weeks, I decided I had better document a few things.

I am so thankful for a wonderful, supportive husband.  Samuel is a wonderful, hard working, sensitive guy.  I am so happy and grateful to be his wife, and to be working on life together.

I am thankful for the world's most incredible family.  Someone once told me that they were so jealous of my family because we all get along great and like to be with each other.  At the time I don't think I understood what a blessing that is, but as I grow older I realize what a rare and beautiful thing it is to love and be loved by amazing siblings and parents and in-laws.

I am thankful for my job.  I love my students and am grateful every day for the role that teaching plays in my life.  I learn so much.

I am thankful for the temple.  It was great to be there twice this week for Hilary's wedding.  Every time I go, I am reminded of God's love for all of his children, and that he knows and loves me personally.

I am thankful for our home.  Every night as my head hits the pillow--no matter what projects are left undone--I thank God for this opportunity to build our house into somewhere that we can start a family, help the Spirit to reside, and figure out what is truly important.

I am thankful for music! It helps me to feel things-- excitement, peace, silliness, hope.  I love discovering new-to-me songs, learning new chords on the guitar, or teaching my students new "lunchtime tunes."

As we head full-force into the Christmas season, I am reminded how grateful I am for the Savior and the joy he brings to my life.